relate

To relate is defined as to have a connection to or tell the story of.

(verb)

  1. An example of to relate is someone expressing how busy they've been and their friend understands because they have also been very busy.
  2. An example of to relate is someone telling another about the events of their day.

YourDictionary definition and usage example. Copyright © 2013 by LoveToKnow Corp.

See relate in Webster's New World College Dictionary

transitive verb related, relating

  1. to tell the story of or give an account of; narrate; recount
  2. to connect or associate, as in thought or meaning; show as having to do with; show a relation between: to relate theory and practice

Origin: < L relatus, pp. of referre, to bring back: see refer

intransitive verb

    1. to have some connection or relation (to)
    2. to show sympathetic understanding and awareness in one's personal relationships
    3. to understand and sympathize or agree with someone or something: with to: I can't relate to what you're saying
  1. to have reference (to)

Related Forms:

See relate in American Heritage Dictionary 4

verb re·lat·ed, re·lat·ing, re·lates
verb, transitive
  1. To narrate or tell. See Synonyms at describe.
  2. To bring into or link in logical or natural association. See Synonyms at join.
  3. To establish or demonstrate a connection between.
verb, intransitive
  1. To have connection, relation, or reference: The symbols relate to an earlier system.
  2. To have or establish a reciprocal relationship; interact: She doesn't relate well to her peers.
  3. To react in response, especially favorably: I just can't relate to these new fashions.

Origin:

Origin: Obsolete French relater

Origin: , from Old French

Origin: , from Latin relātus

Origin: , past participle of referre

Origin: : re-, re-

Origin: + lātus, brought; see telə- in Indo-European roots

.

Related Forms:

  • re·latˈa·ble adjective
  • re·latˈer noun

Learn more about relate

link/cite print suggestion box